At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and implement embedded software for innovative medical devices.
- Company: Join Ensera Design, a leading consultancy in user-centred innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, private healthcare, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with mentorship and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health tech while growing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with embedded C/C++ and safety-critical systems preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40800 - 53000 £ per year.
Ensera Design is a world‑class user‑centred innovation and product development consultancy, specialising in the medical and consumer health sectors with offices in Bristol, Colorado and New Jersey. As part of Ensera, we collaborate globally with contract manufacturing facilities in Europe, the USA, and Asia. We are currently seeking an embedded Software Engineer to join our talented team and contribute to delivering exceptional solutions for our clients.
You’ll join a multidisciplinary team developing a greenfield medical device from the ground up. Day to day, your focus will be designing and implementing microcontroller‑based systems in embedded C/C++. You’ll sit alongside hardware, Linux, UI and test engineers and have the opportunity to make a genuine contribution to a medical device project. You’ll have a team of Senior Software Engineers around you who’ll mentor you throughout. Due to the nature of Ensera Design’s work, you’ll have the opportunity to either branch out into other specialisms or go deeper into the one you’re already in.
About you
You're an engineer who has worked across safety‑critical systems and/or medical devices in the past with a desire to develop using embedded C/C++ targeting STM32 ARM microcontrollers or similar platforms. You’ll be a strong communicator with a desire to share knowledge and mentor junior members of the team – you’ll also be mentored by experienced engineers who have grown with the business. You’ll be interested in working on safety‑critical applications across the full development lifecycle and in accordance with safety and reliability standards such as IEC 62304.
What you’ll do
- Design and implement MCU firmware in line with agreed system and security architecture
- Support MCU subsystems and components
- Develop embedded C/C++ code for real‑time systems
- Collaborate with hardware, Linux, UI, connectivity, and test teams on integration topics
- Define and maintain coding standards and design patterns for MCU software
- Support fault investigation, root‑cause analysis, and corrective actions
- Share knowledge and mentor more junior members of the team
Your skills and experience
You don’t need to tick every box but if you hit most of the essentials, we’d love to hear from you.
- Around 3‑5 years’ experience developing embedded firmware on MCUs (ARM Cortex‑M or equivalent)
- Solid C and/or C++ skills
- Experience with RTOS‑based systems
- Understanding of hardware–software interfaces and peripheral drivers
- Experience working in quality‑controlled or safety‑critical development environments
- Experience with STM32 or similar MCU families
- Bootloader, firmware update, or secure startup experience
- Familiarity with MISRA or similar embedded coding standards
- Experience with communication protocols (UART, SPI, I²C, CAN)
- Exposure to cybersecurity considerations at MCU level
The salary for this role is up to £53,000, in line with our Consultant band (£40,800 to £53,000). Please note we ask you to provide your expected salary within the band as part of your application, this helps us understand how you view your experience against the role’s scope.
Why work with us?
Ensera Design offers interesting and varied work combined with a supportive team culture to provide a stimulating environment where you will have the opportunity to develop and learn from others. We offer flexible working policies where working patterns are agreed with our line managers, taking into account the role, needs of the individual, and the team. We recognise that we are only as good as our people and we know how important it is to support our team.
- Performance‑related company‑wide bonus.
- Flexible hybrid working in line with our core hours (Mon–Thu, 9:30am–12:00pm & 2:00pm–4:00pm; Fri, 9:30am–12:00pm).
- Private healthcare for you and your family.
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
- Salary exchange pension scheme.
- 25 days of annual leave, plus the option to purchase up to one working week and additional days for length of service.
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme and digital wellbeing platform.
- Cycle to Work & Electric Vehicle Lease schemes.
- Death in service (x4 gross salary).
- Training and development opportunities, including dedicated learning days and regular knowledge‑sharing sessions.
- A free lunch the first Monday of every month alongside our company‑wide meeting.
- Free breakfast every Wednesday, and plenty of opportunities to socialise, including team‑organised activities, summer and Christmas parties, and more.
At Ensera Design we believe that designing for people means including all people, starting with the team behind the work. Our human‑centred design ethos is rooted in empathy, and our values – pull together, find a way, and care – guide us in building a team that reflects the diversity of the world we design for. We know that different perspectives lead to better ideas, stronger collaboration, and more meaningful outcomes. If you meet the skills and experience for this role, we welcome your application – whatever your background, identity, or path into design. What matters to us is that you share our belief in purposeful, people‑first design.
Software Engineer (MCU) in Bristol employer: HS Design, Inc.
Ensera Design is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture, allowing you to thrive as a Software Engineer in the innovative medical device sector. With flexible working arrangements, comprehensive benefits including private healthcare and generous leave policies, and a strong emphasis on professional development, you'll find ample opportunities for growth and mentorship within a diverse team dedicated to impactful design. Join us in Bristol and contribute to meaningful projects while enjoying a vibrant workplace that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Engineer (MCU) in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Ensera Design on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your embedded C/C++ skills. Be ready to discuss your past projects, especially those involving safety-critical systems. Show them you know your stuff and are passionate about the role!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just focus on technical skills; highlight your teamwork and communication abilities. Ensera values collaboration, so share examples of how you've worked with others to solve problems or mentor junior engineers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at Ensera Design.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Engineer (MCU) in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience with embedded C/C++ and safety-critical systems. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects or achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for medical devices and how you can contribute to our multidisciplinary team. Let us know why you’re excited about this opportunity at Ensera Design.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a strong communicator, it’s important to demonstrate this in your application. Use clear and concise language, and don’t forget to mention any mentoring experiences you’ve had – we love team players!
Be Transparent About Salary Expectations:When applying, include your expected salary within the specified band. This helps us understand your perspective on your experience and the role. It’s all part of making sure we’re on the same page from the get-go!
How to prepare for a job interview at HS Design, Inc.
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your embedded C/C++ skills, especially with STM32 ARM microcontrollers. Be ready to discuss your past experiences with safety-critical systems and how you've tackled challenges in those environments.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Ensera Design values collaboration, so be prepared to talk about how you've worked with multidisciplinary teams in the past. Share examples of how you've communicated effectively with hardware, UI, and test engineers to achieve project goals.
✨Understand the Standards
Familiarise yourself with safety and reliability standards like IEC 62304 and coding standards such as MISRA. Being able to discuss these in your interview will show that you understand the importance of quality in medical device development.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the projects you'll be working on and the team dynamics at Ensera Design. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
